10. Wendy's

Why it's hot: Wendy's new marketing campaign is ultra-focused on millennials, with the young "Red" character in commercials and new items like pretzel cheeseburgers. Wendy's has always emphasized being fresher than competitors, making every burger to-order and not freezing beef. In the era of Chipotle, this message resonates with millennials.

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9. Kraft

Why it's hot: Kraft scored big points with millennials this year when it announced that starting in 2016, its original Macaroni & Cheese will get its color from natural spices like paprika instead of from artificial additives Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.

7. Hershey's

Why it's hot: Hershey's has dropped artificial colorings from its chocolate. "We are committed to making our products using ingredients that are simple and easy-to-understand, like fresh milk from local farms, roasted California almonds, cocoa beans and sugar - ingredients you recognize, know and trust," the company said in a news release.

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6. Nestle

Why it's hot: Nestle is also jumping on the natural ingredients bandwagon. The company has committed to removing artificial flavors and FDA-certified colors, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, from all of its chocolate candy products.

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5. Oreo

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Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois

% change in votes from last year's ranking: New to list

Why it's hot: Oreo's brand has classic appeal. However, the company has managed to stay current by offering limited-time flavors like S'mores. This has helped to spark a discussion on social media.

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4. Starbucks

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Headquarters: Seattle, Washington

% change in votes from last year's ranking: 1%

Why it's hot: Starbucks has been expanding its menu to include more food options such as sandwiches and salads. It has also added drive-thrus to many locations. "Starbucks is virtually the only large incumbent that can offer millennial parents the convenience of a (fast food chain) and food they would not feel guilty/embarrassed to feed to their kids," Goldman Sachs' analysts write.

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3. Pizza Hut

Mallory Schlossberg/Business Insider

Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas

% change in votes from last year's ranking: new to list

Why it's hot: In November, Pizza Hut called the millennial-focused "Flavors of Now" campaign the biggest makeover in company history. After considering what millennials would want, Pizza Hut added new crusts in flavors like Honey Sriracha and Ginger Boom Boom.

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2. McDonald's

Why it's hot: McDonald's is still the most visited restaurant for the millennial demographic, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley. The brand has been introducing more fresh ingredients and customizable burgers to compete with fast casual brands.

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1. Pepsi

Why it's hot: While Pepsi is primarily known as a beverage company, it also owns food companies like Lay's potato chips, Quaker Oats, and Doritos. The brand has been releasing more millennial-friendly foods like protein bars, kettle chips, and granola.